PRPA Enables Greater Access to Surgical Services at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital

PRPA Enables Greater Access to Surgical Services at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital

March 23, 2023

The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) has partnered with Northern Health to support its Surgical Equipment Optimization Program at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital. Through a $60,000 commitment from PRPA’s Community Investment Fund, the regional health authority has purchased a new state-of-the-art laparoscopic surgical tower, enabling the hospital to expand the capacity for many types of surgical procedures.  

The laparoscopic surgical tower is used in minimally invasive surgeries and enables specialists to perform many kinds of procedures on patients without making large incisions. Designed as a versatile all-in-one unit that is compatible with a number of other instruments, the laparoscopic tower is used to visualize and document a broad range of surgeries. It produces, displays, and records high-quality digital images that help reduce surgical complications and achieve better outcomes. 

Prior to this latest Community Investment Fund project, Prince Rupert Regional Hospital had a single laparoscopic surgical tower to use between two operating rooms, which created logistical and scheduling challenges. With the addition of the second tower, the hospital is able to better manage the demand for the equipment, allowing specialists to simultaneously access laparoscopic towers to perform a wide array of orthopedic, gynecology, Ear, Nose & Throat, and general surgeries.  

“We are very grateful to the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund for the ongoing support toward the purchase of new medical equipment and other upgrades, including this laparoscopic surgical tower which will enable more timely care for patients,” said Julia Pemberton, Northern Health Services Administrator, Prince Rupert. “Having this state-of-the-art technology available at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital is also key to attracting and retaining specialists, by providing them with access to the appropriate equipment to best serve and support our community.” 

“The Prince Rupert Port Authority is committed to investing in medical equipment that modernizes Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, improves the quality of local healthcare services, and helps ensure that people living in communities across the North Coast can receive the surgical procedures they require without having to travel far from home,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority.

Including this latest project, PRPA’s Community Investment Fund has contributed over $630,000 to the purchase of new medical equipment and other upgrades for Prince Rupert Regional Hospital over the past decade: 

• Hospital Bed Replacement Project – $150,000 
• Enhanced Cancer Care Unit – $100,000 
• Diagnostic Ultrasound Machine Upgrade – $72,500 
• X-Ray Machine Replacement – $69,750 
• Orthopedic Surgical Equipment – $60,500 
• Cancer Screening Scope Guide – $35,260 
• In-patient Bathtub Upgrade – $45,500 
• Palliative Care Upgrades- $36,500